How to Find and Hire a Reliable Plumbing Contractor in Your Area

That’s because plumbing, like the inner workings of a car, requires both a depth of knowledge and experience that few people possess. Plumbing is also something that — when it breaks — you want to be fixed immediately. And, finally (and most unfortunately), enough people feel like they’ve been done wrong by a plumber at one time or another — either in charge or work rendered — that knowing a reliable plumber is considered something to admire and strive for.

That may sound over the top, but in our professional experience, it is not. Finding a “good plumber” is worth its weight in gold. With that in mind, let’s look at some of the helpful tips so that you can ensure you too have the right plumber for your home and commercial needs.

Qualifications of the Right Plumbing Contractors

All professional plumbers and plumbing contractors in north Georgia and metro Atlanta have a few things in common, but there are also ways to determine a great plumber from the average or overpriced plumber. Here’s a guide to some of the aspects that set apart the good plumbers.

Training

Professional plumbing contractors in the state of Georgia don’t need a degree, but they do need at least three years of qualified experience to pass a licensing exam. That means going to a trade school, an apprenticeship with a qualified plumber, or both. But not all training is the same. So, if you’re curious about a plumber’s credentials, ask them where and who they trained with and then do some research on that plumber. Odds are, if your plumber worked with reputable plumbers, he or she would also be a reputable plumber.

Licensure

You cannot be a plumbing professional in the state of Georgia without a license. And any reasonable plumber should be willing to show you his or her license.

Insurance

All professional plumbers in Georgia must also have liability insurance. This insurance covers property damage and customer injuries.

Journeyperson vs. Non-Journeyperson

A “journeyperson” is a plumber who has completed training, owns a license and has the knowledge and skills necessary to complete plumbing tasks without supervision. A “non-journeyperson” covers all plumbers who are still apprentices. You should not allow a non-journyperson to work unsupervised by a licensed plumber in your home or perform commercial plumbing without a supervisor.

Master Plumber

If you’re thinking of hiring a plumber and are looking for the most qualified plumbers to do the job, try to find a Master Plumber. A master plumber is the highest level of certification that a contractor may obtain. To become a master plumber, a contractor must have at least three years experience as a journeyperson to sit on the state boards and achieve a master plumber’s license. This level of license allows the plumber to perform contract work on any type of plumbing problem.

How to Find Reasonable, Qualified & Reliable Plumbing Contractors

Now that you understand a bit about the level of qualifications and basics of plumbing contractors, let’s take a closer look into how you find and select the most reliable contractors and land on the potential plumber that’s right for you.

Read Reviews & Get Recommendations for Trustworthy and Reputable Plumbers

It’s always a good idea to get as much information as you can on a potential plumber before hiring them. You do not want to discover — once they’re already working on your home or business — that they’re not reliable or the cost is exorbitant. Therefore, it’s a good idea to vet any local plumbing contractors through your friends, relatives, and neighbors. Ask them if they have any experience with a plumber — of what they’ve heard about said plumber. You can also use homeadvisor as a source of information.

Research a Plumber’s License and Insurance

You can easily verify all plumbers licenses — whether they be local plumbers or part of a big company — online with the state of Georgia. Simply visit https://verify.sos.ga.gov/verification/ to learn more and/or to determine a license and insurance coverage.

Choose Between Independent Plumbing Contractors & Large Companies

All plumbing problems may relatively be the same, but not all plumbers are the same. Know there you will likely be treated as a name and a number by large, national contractors, whereas local companies can get to know you, your family, and your home or business, so that they can not only fix your plumbing issue, but also point out what drain, pipes, or toilet may be ready to for replacement BEFORE it breaks down. You may get to know them so well, that you think of them as your family plumber.

Questions to Ask When Hiring a Plumber

Whenever you contact a professional plumber, run through these simple, quick questions to help determine if they are the plumber for you.

Are you licensed and insured?

If you’re thinking about hiring a plumbing company be sure to ask them about their licenses, or if it’s an individual, ask them if they are a licensed plumber. This is an easy answer of the plumber and one they should be happy to answer.

Do you charge an hourly or flat rate?

Cost is always one of the first questions you have when it comes to plumbing — whether it be for commercial plumbing contractors, remodeling plumbers, or a simple job in your home. Ask them their rates, and they should oblige.

Could you provide references?

This will show the type of experience they have and if they believe in their work enough to rely on their customers’ word of mouth. If they can’t or won’t give you references, they may not be worth trusting.

Are you experienced with this kind of job?

It’s no good hiring someone to work on your busted sewage system when their experience is limited to a clogged drain, is it? That’s a rather extreme example, but you get the idea. Ask any potential plumber if they’ve worked on your exact issue before hiring them.

May I have an estimate in writing?

Again, cost is paramount, and if a plumber is not willing to give you a written estimate, they may not be worth trusting. A plumber charge estimate should be clear, concise, and act as a promise on behalf of you and the contractor.

What are your payment expectations?

You don’t want any hidden surprises on any job. So, ask the plumber if he or she expects payment beforehand, or immediately after, and how they prefer payment.

Ready to start your Plumbing Project?

Ensuring your plumbing needs are met by a reliable, qualified professional is paramount. At Conditioned Air Systems, we understand the significance of having a trustworthy plumber for your home or business. With our team of skilled experts meeting the criteria of licensure, extensive training, insurance, and expertise, we stand prepared to address your plumbing concerns promptly and efficiently. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 770-536-7509. Let us be your go-to solution for all your plumbing needs.